Sweet Treat, Serious Impact: Culver’s ‘Concretes for a Cause’ Fights Growing Hunger Crisis

By Michael Bennett

DE PERE, WI – As temperatures rise, so does the demand for frozen treats. But for Culver’s Restaurants, the appeal of their signature “Concrete Mixer” extends beyond satisfying sweet tooths. The company’s annual “Concretes for a Cause” fundraiser is a critical effort in combating a growing hunger crisis, providing vital support to local food banks at a time when they need it most.

This year’s campaign, like those before it, sees a portion of the proceeds from every Concrete Mixer sold donated to a local hunger-relief organization chosen by each of Culver’s 1,000+ restaurants across 26 states. While the initiative offers a delicious way for customers to contribute, experts say the timing couldn’t be more critical.

A Rising Tide of Food Insecurity

The need for food assistance is surging across the country. Recent data reveals that over 34 million Americans, including 9 million children, are currently food insecure – meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. This number is expected to rise further as federal funding for vital food assistance programs is reduced.

“We’re seeing a perfect storm of factors contributing to this crisis,” explains a representative from a national food bank network, speaking anonymously. “Inflation is driving up food costs, wages haven’t kept pace, and cuts to federal programs like TEFAP are leaving food banks scrambling to fill the gap.”

Indeed, earlier this year, the USDA announced pauses and cuts to several key food assistance programs, totaling over $1 billion. This decision has sent shockwaves through the food bank system, forcing organizations to make difficult choices about which programs to scale back or eliminate.

Local Impact, National Significance

Culver’s “Concretes for a Cause” offers a localized solution to a national problem. By empowering individual restaurants to select their own partner organizations, the program ensures that funds are directed to the communities where they’re most needed. This hyperlocal approach resonates with both franchisees and customers.

“It's great knowing that the money we raise stays right here in our community,” says a Culver’s franchise owner in Wisconsin, speaking anonymously. “We’ve been partnering with local food pantry for several years, and we’ve seen firsthand the incredible work they do.”

The impact of these donations is significant. Food banks leverage every dollar received to maximize their purchasing power and provide nutritious meals to those in need. While a precise “cost per meal” varies, organizations are adept at stretching donations to serve as many people as possible.

“Cash donations are incredibly valuable because they allow us to purchase the items we need most, like fresh produce, dairy, and protein,” says a food bank director in Illinois, speaking anonymously. “We can often purchase these items at a lower cost than what’s donated, and we can fill gaps in our inventory.”

Beyond the Dollar: A Sustained Commitment

Culver’s “Concretes for a Cause” isn’t a one-time effort but a sustained commitment to fighting hunger. Since its inception, the program has raised over $1.7 million for local food banks, providing millions of meals to individuals and families in need. Last year alone, the program raised $517,825.

This long-term commitment sets Culver’s apart from some other corporate social responsibility initiatives that are more sporadic or short-lived. While other fast-food chains, like McDonald’s (Ronald McDonald House Charities) and Wendy’s (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption) focus on different social causes, and Panera Bread prioritizes food donations, Culver’s direct link between a popular menu item and hunger relief provides a unique and tangible connection for customers.

“Customers feel good knowing that their treat is also helping someone else,” says a Culver’s marketing executive, speaking anonymously. “It’s a win-win situation.”

Facing the Future of Food Security

While initiatives like “Concretes for a Cause” are vital, experts emphasize that addressing food insecurity requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes advocating for policies that support food assistance programs, investing in job training and economic development, and addressing the root causes of poverty.

“Corporate partnerships are important, but they’re not a substitute for systemic change,” says the representative from the national food bank network. “We need to address the underlying issues that are driving hunger in this country.”

Despite the challenges, there is a growing awareness of the importance of food security. Initiatives like Culver’s “Concretes for a Cause” are helping to raise awareness and mobilize resources to fight hunger, one delicious Concrete Mixer at a time. As long as the need persists, Culver’s remains committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves, proving that a little sweetness can go a long way in combating a serious crisis.